Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Qianmen Jianguo Hotel 4* or similar.

After breakfast, discovery of Tian’anmen Square, the historical and political heart of Beijing, followed by a visit to the majestic Forbidden City, the former imperial palace with more than 900 rooms, pavilions and gardens. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit to the remarkable Temple of Heaven, famous for its elegant rotunda with blue-tiled roofs, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Return to the hotel at the end of the day. (B-L)

Excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of this iconic monument. En route, introduction to the Chinese language with a brief overview of basic expressions. Free time to admire the scenery and explore at a leisurely pace this impressive Ming Dynasty fortification winding through the surrounding hills. Lunch at a local restaurant. On the return journey, discovery of the magnificent Summer Palace, renowned for its gardens, lakes and elegant pavilions with poetic names. (B-L)

Walk through the Olympic Park with exterior views of the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest. Introduction to Taiji, a Taoist form of exercise, followed by a Chinese dumpling-making workshop. Lunch with a local family in Beijing’s hutongs. Walking tour through the traditional neighbourhoods before a visit to the Lama Temple, famous for its impressive Buddha carved from a single sandalwood trunk. Tea tasting in a traditional teahouse. (B-L)

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and departure by high-speed train for Pingyao. Upon arrival, lunch followed by the discovery of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage city, surrounded by imposing walls and remarkably well preserved since the Ming Dynasty. Visit to the city walls, Rishengchang Bank, considered the first bank in China, the Yamen, the Confucius Temple and Ming and Qing Street. Immersion in traditional Chinese culture, complemented by an introduction to the preparation of the famous Shanxi noodles. Dinner on your own. Xinglongyi Inn 3* or similar. (B-L)

Departure for the village of Liangcun, located near Pingyao, where rural traditions remain intact. Discovery of traditional houses, fields and the local way of life. Visit to Shuanglin Monastery, renowned for its remarkable ancient sculptures, followed by immersion in the atmosphere of a local market. After a traditional meal, return to Pingyao and transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train to Xi’an. Arrival in one of China’s oldest capitals, with a rich heritage dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Ramada Bell Tower Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L)

Walk through the square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and discovery of the lively Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City district, with an introduction to the art of Chinese calligraphy. Visit to a jade factory followed by lunch. In the afternoon, excursion to the Terracotta Warriors site, an archaeological masterpiece featuring more than 6,000 soldiers, horses and chariots from the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Return to Xi’an for a walk through the old quarters and a visit to the Great Mosque, a remarkable blend of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. (B-L)

Transfer to the airport and flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, welcome by the local guide, followed by a drive to Yangdi. After lunch, raft cruise along one of the most beautiful sections of the Li River, between Yangdi and Jiumahuashan, surrounded by spectacular karst landscapes. Discovery of the historic village of Xingping, followed by continuation to Yangshuo. Free time on the famous West Street, lined with shops and restaurants, as well as at a local market offering an authentic glimpse into daily life and the region’s culinary traditions. New Westreet Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L)

Free morning. Lunch, followed by a drive to Guilin. Discovery of South China Sea pearls, one of the region’s iconic specialties. Walking tour of Guilin’s must-see sights, including the elegant Sun and Moon Pagodas, the peaceful Banyan Lake and the lively pedestrian street, offering a glimpse into the city’s local atmosphere and heritage. Park Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L)

Early in the morning, transfer to Guilin Airport and flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, welcome by the local guide. After lunch, departure for Luzhi, a charming village where traditions have been preserved, for a short cruise along its picturesque canals. Drive to Suzhou, renowned for its gardens, silk mills and rich imperial heritage. Dinner on your own and overnight stay at the hotel. Su Yuan Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L)

Visit to the Master of the Nets Garden, one of the finest examples of Chinese garden design, followed by a walk through the historic Shantangjie district, renowned for its canals, stone bridges and traditional architecture. Visit to a silk factory showcasing Suzhou’s centuries-old craftsmanship. Lunch during the tour. In the afternoon, discovery of Shanghai, a dynamic metropolis where tradition and modernity meet. Walk along the famous Bund, followed by a crossing of the Huangpu River to Pudong, dominated by its impressive skyline of skyscrapers. Holiday Inn Jing'an 4* or similar. (B-L)

Discovery of Old Shanghai, a maze of lively narrow streets, and the famous Yu Garden, dating back to the 16th century and located in the heart of the old city. Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a walk through the former French Concession. Discovery of Tianzifang, a typically Shanghainese neighbourhood, and Fuxing Park, featuring several characteristics of a French-style garden. Dinner on your own. (B-L)

Free day. (B)

Transfer to Shanghai Airport. (B)